Suggestions for $2k budget

I see 2 listings on The Music Room website (TMRAudio.com) that is in your budget:

1) VANDERSTEEN 2CE Signature II @ $1799 *
2) TRIANGLE Esprit Gaia EZ @ $2200

I also see 2 listings on AUDIOGON that is in your budget:

1) PSB Platinum T - 8 @ 1800 *
2) REVEL Performa F 206 @ $2200 *

The "asterisk" denotes speakers that made the 2019 Absolute Sound "buyers guide."

The only above noted speaker that I've heard is the Revel. I demoed it side by side against the Focal Kanta # 2, which costs 3x times more and the Revel more than held its own. Needless to say, I was impressed. The last sentence in the Absolute Sound review is as follows: 

"A remarkable loudspeaker that exceeds all expectations of performance in its price class and well beyond."

I'm very curious about the Triangle speakers; but, there are only dealers (NYC & Cali <LA?>); so, will likely have to demo them at an audio show. 

Not only will you not be disappointed, you will love them!

Tannoy XT8F.

I had them on Class A tube, Class D and vintage A/B amplifiers with both analog and digital sources. They sounded great on all of them. In my humble opinion, you’d have to spend 8-10k on a set of speakers to top these. Best for rooms sized under 15x20.

Fritz speakers...affordable and great sound

second the buchardt s400 (and proper 28 in stands)

or vandys 2 or 3s

good luck have fun

I second Fritz Speakers for a bookshelf.
 I bought a pair of Fyne F501 from Gene Rubin in CA and I am very happy with them. I switched from Magnepan because I need an overall cohesive speaker from high to low and Fyne definitely do that very well.  I also noticed they have 502 special edition that borrow a lot from the 700 series with a lower price tag. Good luck!